facial Tag Archives

Radford (really does) love skin! My Custom Facial with Wand treatment

Written by meredith / News / June 27, 2016

*I paid for this treatment myself*

I knew I was overdue for my facial when I could actually feel the texture on my face changing.  I knew I needed to get my face in better shape so short of going to home depot, I turned to one of the best skincare gurus in the business, Vee Mistry. I had the pleasure of seeing her (on my own dime) at Victoria Radford, on Avenue Road.  Spoiler alert:  and one thing’s for sure…..ever since I arrived back at home, I have been contemplating changing my skin care routine, and I’m putting their number into my contacts.

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Glow baby Glow! My Miracle 10 peel & skincare-it’s not what you’d expect, it’s better!

Written by meredith / News / March 16, 2015

If you’ve read my blog, read my Facebook timeline, twitter timeline, or instagram timeline-you will know I’ve been around the skincare circuit.  Especially in Toronto….

You’ve been asking, so now I’m going to tell….

I’ve also blogged and spoken about (via social media) the Miracle 10 skincare boutique in Yorkville.  I’ve been there several times for a master class, and for IPL treatments –blog post
yorkville

There are so many reasons to love Miracle10 -service and product.  My main reason for using their products almost exclusively is because they WORK with the ‘power of 10’

10 hours-noticeable results in smoothness & clarity

10 days-discoloration and dullness visibly improved

10 weeks-appearance of wrinkles and pore size diminished

IMG_20150305_173924IMG_20150207_134508IMG_20150125_151252IMG_20150125_151114

The Miracle 10 Skincare collection is rooted in the science of the skin’s own healing abilities. Our scientifically proven recovery compounds include essential active ingredients ranging from Grapeseed Oil, Vitamins C and E, to Retinol, and EMC10, our patented blend of peptides. These laboratory tested ingredients bring skin to a whole new level of beauty, clarity and radiance.

The Miracle10 Facial Peel:

The revolutionary Miracle10 Facial Peel combines a fruit enzyme scrub with a unique derma-planing treatment to slough off layers of dull, dry skin.  A mild lactic or glycolic peel is applied to the skin, followed by a soothing, anti-oxidant rich clay mask. Extractions may be conducted as necessary.  Skin will look and feel  soft and supple.

I just came from my latest Miracle10 treatment-their face peel, and it was so good I have to tell you about it.  Like I said, I’ve had peels before.  The aesthetician cleanses your face and then applies the peel for several minutes, it tingles, she removes it, applies moisturizer and away you go.

Not at Miracle10….

I arrived at the clinic and was led to a treatment room.  Nadia, the esthetican asked me a series of questions and then explained the treatment.  She cleansed my face.  Then she began to Dermaplane.  Just in case you don’t know, Dermaplaning is a simple and safe procedure for exfoliating the epidermis and ridding the skin of fine vellus hair (peach fuzz).  Using a scalpel and a delicate touch, the provider simply abrades the surface of the skin using light feathering strokes.

After the Dermaplane, she applied the peel.  There are 3 types of peels available, and the one applied on my skin was a lactic acid peel (the most gentle.  Glycolic and Salcyclic are also offered).  She left it on for several minutes (a fan was blowing on my face), then used soft cotton pads to ‘buff’ the product into my skin.  She removed the peel afterwards by using cool cotton pads.

After the cotton pads, she gave me goggles to wear and applied dry ice to my skin to ensure it was absolutely clean (this kills any remaining bacteria).  It felt cool on my skin.

A hydrating, cooling masque was applied to my face and the lights were lowered.  The masque sat on my face for approximately 15 minutes and it felt wonderful!

At the end of the treatment, sunscreen was applied and then it was over.

Thoughts:

This isn’t your average peel

I recommend it

  • There are several stand out features of this peel: dermaplane, masque
  • the skincare products complement the treatment(s) available
  • I’m sticking with Miracle10

Want to know more!  Hit up:

Miracle10 website

Miracle10 twitter

Miracle10 facebook

Miracle10 instagram

 

Beautifully speaking…..2 reasons to love the Yonge/St. Clair area-a teaser post!

Written by meredith / News / July 07, 2014

Since I work in the area, I felt it necessary to find some ‘go-to’ spots for all my getting pretty requirements.  So far, I’ve done pretty well. Get it? PRETTY well? Check out my latest finds and stay tuned for an in-depth look at all my new work neighborhood hot spots!

Me & T Studio

1568 Yonge Street, Toronto

meandt

What they’re about:

Nails, pedicures, tanning, lashes, hair-hmmm what else is there again? Seriously ladies/gents, this place is a GEM.  This ain’t  your average $15.00 manicure pick out your color corner nail shop.  The 3 resident nail gurus (Dylan, Elizabeth, Shirley) can whip up just about anything your heart desires in terms of shape, color, and design-the sky IS the limit.  They all have their particular niche-and make SURE you ask to see their nail art….they have so many unique designs! Ummmm also, Me&T offers complimentary hand scrub AND paraffin wax treatment with a manicure…….WHOAH.

Let’s talk lashes…..are yours lacking or do you want a bit of a boost? Owner of Me & T Shauna will hook you up with some Novolash lash extensions to your liking of course-long, natural, bambi eyes……she can do it all!  I tend to go for the doe-eyes and am loving my lashes! No mascara required!

Feeling pasty?  Try a spray tan!  Again, this isn’t the mystic tan booth that leaves you with streaks and drips all over.  This is AVIVA, the top of the line, crème de la crème of custom airbrush tanning.  A variety of shades are available, it’s NOT ORANGE and you can put your clothes back on your body as soon as you are dry (under 5 minutes for this girl).  So easy, and safe-completely UV free!  Did I mention Fridays are Faux at Me & T? Book a tan on Friday for a 20% discount!  Want to keep your tan in check? Me & T has your aftercare on the shelf and IN STOCK!

Me&T offers competitive pricing and superb quality -you can tell the difference between a corner nail shop manicure and a Me&T mani! Check out their website for services offered and pricing-you also have the ability to book appointments online! If you’re a social media type, check out their instagram & twitter accounts for nail art updates and examples of their work.

PLEASE NOTE-it is preferable to book an appointment at Me&T to get EXACTLY what you want when you want it. Staff books up incredibly fast.

And as if Me & T wasn’t enough, how about Fiorio Salon & Spa on Yonge?

Fiorio Salon & Spa

1470 Yonge Street, Toronto

fiorio

What they’re about:  Hair, manicures, pedicures, facials, waxing

Okay so this place is where I went on a complete whim after several months of DIY hair disasters (think Pinterest NAILED IT MEMES-yes that was me).  Samantha had me in dozens of foils in under an hour and I walked out of that salon a blonde.  I haven’t looked back since.

My haircut, also 2-thumbs up-was quick and efficient.

Please note-Fiorio has colorists and stylists….so if you do go there, you will always be seeing at least 2 people.  Also, one thing I loved is the attentiveness of ALL staff.  You won’t be sitting under the dryer forgotten at Fiorio and your beverage glass will always be filled promptly.

THE FACIAL OF THE MOMENT-Oh, I can not say enough about Sandra Thompson at Fiorio for facials.  Skill, experience, great bedside manner, and a fantastic product line (Phytomer).  My skin was assessed, thoroughly cleaned and nourished in 60 minutes. No blotches, no broken capillaries…..FANTASTIC.   I didn’t have to worry about a greasy scalp or oily looking face.  I enjoyed an amazing hand massage on top of that.  Super impressed by this aesthetician.  Can’t say enough good things about her……purchased the 12H Flash Gel at Sandra’s suggestion and haven’t looked back.

Fiorio has a beautiful retail section-I highly recommend it!

Prices at Fiorio are fair and comparable to the area.  Check out their website for services offered and prices!

 

Like I said, stay tuned for an in-depth look at my experiences at each of my work neighborhood spots!

*Logos for Me & T and Fiorio taken from meandtstudio.com and fiorio.com*

*I am not being paid to write this blog post-these were MY experiences!*

My favorites from…….Clarins!

Written by meredith / News / November 09, 2013

Not too many makeup items here-I don’t know about your area, but in Canada, when Clarins releases a new collection, if you’re not there to get it when the store doors open, you will miss out.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried to pick up a lipstick or powder and they are completely SOLD OUT.  Frustrating, but it does speak to the brand’s popularity.  For now though, let me entertain you with my favorites:

3dot

Clarins 3 dot liner has been on my list for awhile now.  If you know me even a LITTLE bit, you will know how much I abhor tightlining (a.k.a. lining the upper water line to give the appearance of bigger, lush, lashes and eyes).  It feels weird, and my eyeliner runs (and I’ve tried more than 1 type of waterproof eyeliner).   This product allows me to press gently in-between my upper lashes in order to achieve the same look sans weirdness!  Brilliant!

beautyflashbalm

Beauty flash Balm-which I’m currently out of.  I’ll never forget the guy who showed me this product at the Clarins Counter at Eaton Centre (I have got to go back and visit him-he was so great!).  This is the perfect little bit of highlight for people who don’t highlight.  It’s subtle, but it’s there….it looks fresh and radiant.

lotusfaceoil

Face treatment oil-I love oils for the face.  Love love love them.  This is one of my *newer* favorites-especially since as of late, my skin has taken a turn for the oily.  This product balances my skin, I use it at night only!  Since I’ve started to use the product, I don’t have to wash my face in the morning….I just splash water on it, eye cream, serum, moisturize and I’m done.

bodyoil

Body treatment oil-I’ve had cellulite since I was a tween….and I was a tween before the word tween was even invented!  *GASP*

Seriously though, I have some dimples here and there (if you need to explore that, go to the posts where I talk about my many many different body sizes over the years right here).  I think everyone has some areas that they’d like to firm up and that’s just what can be accomplished with this product.  This is another product that I use at night, and it’s actually recommended that you shower after using it (leaving it on for 20 minutes or so). I often use it at night and shower it off the next morning.  I love the fragrance as well.

And there you have it, my Clarins favorites.  I’m interested in exploring more of this brand so let me know your favorites in the comments section below!

 

Regrets-Ritz Carlton Spa in Toronto, Ontario

Written by meredith / News / June 27, 2013

I usually abide by the adage “You get what you pay for.”  Sometimes all the bells and whistles can’t make up for simply average service.  If that doesn’t set the tone for the rest of this post, I don’t know what will.

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Fountain of youth? Pretty darn close-Review of Oxygen Pur Skin Serum!

Written by meredith / News, Reviews / April 22, 2013

*I was provided a sample of this product for review.  Please scroll down to the bottom of this post and note that I have gone ahead and ordered an additional serum at my cost.*

I pride myself on a thorough and complete skincare routine.  I’m not ‘afraid’ of aging but I’ll always try to slow the process AND give my skin the best treatment I can as I grow older.

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Everything’s better in HD! My HD brow treatment at SITAMAA day spa!

Written by meredith / News / March 13, 2013

I have struggled with my brows for a loooooooong time.  I’ve asked for help with my brows from several makeup counters and even taken a workshop on my brows.  Has that gotten me into a better brow routine? Nope!  The furthest I go with my brows is to pencil them in and hope for the best.

image from winning at everything.com

image from winning at everything.com

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Best face forward-Quartz Crystal Spa at the Trump International Hotel, Toronto

Written by meredith / News / January 01, 2013

I’ve been ‘around the block’ as far as facials/body treatments are concerned.  I have run the gamut of facial treatments, microdermabrasion, peels, hydrating treatments.  Surprisingly, I had not experienced an oxygen facial.

I knew that the Trump had a spa, but the Quartz Crystal Spa didn’t truly catch my eye until after reading a tweet on twitter regarding a custom chocolate basket and gift certificate combination.  While I am still waiting on s0meone (*ahem* other half because I KNOW you read this blog) to gift me that basket (my birthday is in January after all), I decided to go with an oxygen facial-more specifically the Age Defying Oxygen facial.

From the Quartz Crystal Spa:

INDULGE YOUR SENSES. Towering high above the hustle and bustle of downtown Toronto, Quartz Crysta Spa™ provides a serene escape on the 31st and 32nd floors of the hotel.  The 15,000 square foot oasis channels vintage Hollywood glamour with contemporary city views intended to transport each guest into a luxurious haven of calm, balance, revitalization, purification and healing.

 Personal Spa Attachés tailor your custom experience from the moment you arrive. A full complement of soothing and restorative body treatments and massage therapies, therapeutic skin care offerings and relaxing specialty programs allow you to decompress and renew body, mind and soul at our day spa in downtown Toronto
SPA SERVICES. The Quartz Crystal Spa™ was designed with passion, vision and a desire to elevate you into a timeless experience of calm, balance and revitalization to both men and women. Offering an unrivalled assortment of facial treatments, specialty massages and full-day relaxation retreats. The spa’s facilities also include an indoor heated, salt-water infinity lap pool, movement studio, personal fitness training and fully equipped fitness facility with Technogym equipment all within an oasis that juxtaposes classic Hollywood glamour against modern city skylines.
From the Quartz Crystal Spa regarding my treatment:
Age Defying Oxygen | 60 minutes

With organic Bio-Swiss certified extracts and the latest advanced age-fighting actives, this Oxygen facial delivers instant results. Thorough cleansing, followed by cell-renewing Alpha Hydroxy Acids, extracted from chardonnay grapes, rejuvenates and refines the skin. A decadent massage, energizing mask, and a personalized nutrient infusion with pure oxygen helps stimulate collagen production, improves elasticity, and restores the skin’s youthful glow.

My experience:

When I hear the word ‘Trump’, I expect a certain standard.  However, based on my past experiences at hotel spas, I wasn’t expecting the best facial ever.  Prior to my visit, I had never had extraordinary facials at any hotel-even the high end ones.

Quartz Crystal Spa is on my top ten spa list-and is currently tied for first place.

The spa is beautiful and that’s putting it mildly.  Decor is not over the top or minimalist, it’s just right.


Are you ooh-ing and ahhh-ing yet? Or did you walk away to book an appointment already?

If you aren’t doing either of the above,  you should be.  The Quartz Crystal Spa at The Trump International Hotel is everything you’d expect and more. My treatment and experience were top notch from the moment I put my hand on the door to enter the spa.  After changing into my spa robe and slippers, I was ushered into a lounge with a fireplace (and TV).  I asked for water, I was offered citrus water or cucumber water.  There were snacks available. Every little personal ‘touch’ you can think of is there, no stones unturned, no details overlooked.

My therapist examined my skin and gave me a thorough consultation (in addition to the paperwork that is filled out prior to treatment-standard patient history type stuff). The treatment was amazing, especially the oxygen which was applied with an airbrush like device. It felt cool and soothing.  The hour flew by and before I knew it, the treatment was over (boo).  I was handed a mirror and the face looking back at me looked beautiful-glowy, not greasy. It was almost like my skin “woke up.”  The therapist recommended some products, of which I did purchase one, a serum:

The serum I purchased is the Serum Absolut Lighten Serum by Luzern Laboratories.

 

From the box:

This high-powered, yet gentle oil-free formula diminishes signs of sun spots while brightening and evening skin tone.  Skin looks clearer, brighter, radiant.  For all skin types, including sensitive skin.

-Reduces the appearance of sun spots, dark spots and discoloration.

-Promotes a brighter and healthier looking complexion.

-Gently exfoliates to quickly reveal younger looking skin.

Directions:

Pump into the palm of your hand and apply to cleansed skin AM and PM.  Follow with another Serum Absolut if desired, and then with your moisturizer. 

Let me say, I do love this serum.  It does what I expect it to do, which is absorb quickly and prepare my skin for my moisturizer.  I do see a brightening effect but am unsure of the diminishing of my sun spots, as I have had those since my 20’s. I have a feeling I may be undergoing a laser procedure to remove those! However, the serum is definitely worth it and I am going to go back and purchase the other serum that my therapist mentioned.  Luzern Laboratories website recommends 2 serums as part of a daily skin care regimen.

Overall, I had an absolutely fantastic experience at Quartz Spa and I will be back.  I’ve already perused the spa services and am trying to narrow down the choices.  I may splurge and do a half day.  I highly highly highly recommend this spa if you are looking for true relaxation and thorough treatments performed by experienced therapists.  The decor alone is worth a look-and they have a salt water AND infinity lap pool so spa guests are invited to bring their swimsuits.

I stand corrected….there is ONE spa within a hotel that is worth its weight in gold…..

The Quartz Crystal spa is located within the Trump International Hotel in Toronto Ontario (31st floor) located at:

325 Bay Street

Toronto, ON M5H 4G3

Find the Quartz Crystal spa:

on the web

on twitter

on facebook

 

 

 

*All pictures, descriptions used with permission from Quartz Crystal Spa*